Start here if you’re searching for senior home care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!
90% of seniors want to age at home. And, for that reason, home care has become an important part of aging in place. The costs will vary greatly depending on location, services needed, and frequency of the care. Once you’ve decided that you or a loved one will need to hire some extra help, it can be useful to know what to expect. So, here is everything you need to know about the cost of senior care at home in Philadelphia!
Home care can mean a lot of different things. Essentially, it’s any care or service that can be obtained and used in the comfort of your own home. It’s meant to help maintain your quality of life and ensure safe aging in place. Types of home care include:
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is the largest city in Pennsylvania by population. Of its 1.6 million residents, over 13% are aged 65 and older. According to Best Places, Philadelphia’s cost of living is 1.2% higher than the national average. Even so, retirees find that there’s no place like Philly, as it is home to some of the most famous American historical sites, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It’s an eclectic hub for sports fans, art enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Spend the day rooting for the Eagles and eating cheesesteak. Then, visit The Philadelphia Museum of Art where Sylvester Stallone famously raced up the stairs as Rocky Balboa.
The national average cost of home care is just over $5,000 per month (Genworth Cost of Care Survey). Though the actual cost will vary depending on needs and whether a service or independent caregiver is employed, the average monthly cost in Pennsylvania is $4,957. And, in Philadelphia, $5,334.
The national average cost of homemaker services for seniors is $4,957 per month. The average in Pennsylvania is also $4,957 per month. And, in Philadelphia, $5,329.
The national average cost of a home health aide is $5,148 per month. The average in Pennsylvania is $4,957 per month. And, in Philadelphia, $5,339.
The national average cost of adult day health care is $1,690 per month. The average in Pennsylvania is $1,625 per month. And, in Philadelphia, $1,777.
Actual costs will always vary by facility and from one agency to another. It should also be noted that if a senior requires extended care or overnight care, the price will go up considerably. The national average for 24/7 care at home (168 hours) is $19,292.
Now, let’s look at the basic averages. These totals are based on a 44-hour week:
Type of Care | National Average Monthly Cost | Pennsylvania Average Monthly Cost | Philadelphia Average Monthly Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Home Care (all services) | $5,053 | $4,957 | $5,334 |
Homemaker Services | $4,957 | $4,957 | $5,329 |
Home Health Aide | $5,148 | $4,957 | $5,339 |
Assisted Living | $4,500 | $4,100 | $5,685 |
Adult Day Health Care | $1,690 | $1,625 | $1,777 |
Nursing Home, Semi-Private Room | $7,908 | $10,403 | $11,437 |
Nursing Home, Private Room | $9,034 | $11,157 | $12,897 |
Besides personal savings, seniors living in Philadelphia have several possibilities that can help pay if and when it’s time for home care!
Traditional health insurance rarely pays for costs associated with long-term care. Help with daily activities and mobility are a pretty big part of receiving long-term care. So, that’s where long-term care insurance can help. It can cover custodial care, meal services, and even housekeeping services.
The VA will cover the cost of many services under standard health benefits.
To see a full list of long-term care services and to apply for assistance, check out these resources:
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Pennsylvania Veterans Registry
Medicare is government-provided health insurance for seniors who are over 65. It will not pay for custodial care but will cover the cost of skilled care at home.
Medicare Part A and Part B will pay for things like:
Medicare will pay if:
Medicare will not pay for:
For Medicare help, visit these resources:
Pennsylvania Medicare Counseling
Pennsylvania Insurance Department – Medicare Supplement Coverage
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps low-income individuals pay for care. It can help with the cost of both custodial and medical care. Every state has different qualification requirements.
For eligibility and enrollment, visit these resources:
Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging Locator
Many cities and states will offer additional assistance outside of Medicaid. Check these resources to find more help in your area:
City of Philadelphia Programs & Initiatives
Having an in-home care provider can be an essential part of aging in place. And, choosing the best provider is an important decision! If you’re looking for the best senior home care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then start with the Senior Resource Philadelphia Home Care Directory!
To find more home care options in Pennsylvania, visit the Senior Resource Pennsylvania Home Care Directory!
Click here to find senior housing in Philadelphia!
Originally published June 01, 2022